Itinerary: High Lakes Loop

Open Season: The route is usually snow-free by
the end of May and remains open through October. The road closes
each year due to winter snowfall from November to May.

Driving Directions: From Randle, travel south
on State Route (SR) 131 for 1 mile to FR23. Stay left on FR23. Follow
FR23 31.2 miles to FR2329 and turn left on FR2329. Follow FR2329
9.8 miles to FR5603 and turn left on FR5603. Follow FR5603 5.2 miles
to FR56 and turn right on FR56. Follow FR56 7 miles to FR2160. From
here turn right for a 7 mile round trip drive to Walupt Lake and
back. Turn left on FR2160 and follow FR2160 1.8 miles to FR21 and
turn right. Follow FR21 15.9 miles north to US 12, about 3 miles
west of Packwood and 13.6 miles east of the beginning of the route
in Randle.

Discover the numerous majestic alpine lakes that create
this unique and beautiful landscape. Towering Mt. Adams and the
Gifford Pinchot National Forest provide the backdrop for this scenic
drive offering opportunities for fabulous hiking and great fishing
along the way.

Start: This journey begins in the small mountain
community of Randle located on Highway 12. Restaurants, vehicle and RV services, and
campgrounds are available.

Stop 1: Cispus River Valley - Meandering along
FR23, stop in at the densely forested North
Fork Campground Day Use Area situated on the North Cispus River.
Providing access to the Cispus River Valley, this is a popular area
for hiking, biking, and fishing. Look up at the magnificent stands
of hemlock, Douglas fir, and maple trees. From here take a short
1.6 mile hike on the North
Fork Trail through several forests with outstanding views of
the Cispus Valley below. Or take the Valley
Trail open to hikers, horses, mountain bikes and motorcycles.
The trail is a gentle grade, with scenic views of the Cispus River
Valley and Tongue Mountain.

Stop 2: Olallie Lake - Take in the majestic view
of Mt. Adams across crystal clear Olallie Lake on FR 5601. This small alpine lake is one of several
in the area fed by streams coming off the glaciers from nearby Mount
Adams. Located at 4,200 feet elevation, enjoy quiet boating and
good fishing early in the season. A wonderful place to enjoy the
quiet beauty of the wilderness.

Stop 3: Chain-of-Lakes - Here’s something
different - ten small, picturesque lakes called the Chain-of-Lakes,
a beautiful area offering relaxation and rejuvenation. Fishermen
enjoy trolling its many waters. Electric motors are allowed. The
popular Chain-of-Lakes Figure Eight biking trail departs from Chain
of Lakes Campground. A scenic and thrilling ride, bikers will
enjoy a forest road decent while weaving around the chain of lakes.
Only moderately difficult, it’s a great single-track. The
road to Chain-of-Lakes is rough and suitable for high clearance
vehicles only.

Stop 4: Takhlakh Lake - Stopping along FR2329,
set your eyes on the awe-inspiring view from Takhlakh
Lake. You may never want to leave. Perhaps the best view along
the route, Mt. Adams stands ever so stately, towering over this
beautiful alpine lake, just five miles from its shores. This picture-postcard
vista alone will make the whole trip worthwhile. A popular and peaceful
day-use area is located inside the campground flanking the water’s
edge. Those who fish are in for an outstanding day of peaceful fishing.
Others find its still waters perfect for paddling around in a canoe
or kayak. Hike the trail around the lake, or from the campground,
walk the short easy trail leading up and over a lava flow. The beauty
here is unforgettable – come see for yourself!

Stop 5: Killen Creek - Killen
Creek Campground provides access to nearby hiking, biking, horseback
riding and berry
picking. For thousands of years, American Indians spent summer
and fall high in these mountains hunting, fishing, picking berries,
and celebrating the plentiful gifts of the land. Once every few
years, they burned the berry fields after harvest, to kill invading
trees and to insure healthy fields the following year.

Stop 6: Horseshoe Lake - Continue on to another
alpine lake – picturesque Horseshoe
Lake. This high mountain lake provides boating for canoes and
small rowboats. A trail runs partly around the lake open to walkers,
bikers, and horse riders. For anglers, bring your fishing pole –
this lake is a popular fishing hole and electric motors are allowed. Spring
Creek, High
Lakes, and Keenes
Trail all pass near Horseshoe Lake and each provide spectacular
views of wildflowers, huckleberries, volcanic features and views
of other high elevation lakes. These historic trails were once used
by Yakama Indians picking berries in the high lakes area. The road
to Horseshoe Lake is rough and suitable only for high-clearance
vehicles.

Stop 7: Equestrian Riding - Nestled in a stand
of magnificent Lodgepole pine, this popular area for horse riders
offers many trails leading from Keenes
Horse Camp on FR2329 and Cody
Horse Camp on FR5600 059. Enjoy access to several equestrian
and hiking trails with various degrees of difficulty. Spring Creek,
High Lakes and the famed Pacific
Crest Trail are a few choices offering a spectacular opportunity
for wilderness exploration.

Stop 8: Walupt Lake - Off of FR 2160, stop here
and discover a true backcountry experience without the need to hike
any distance. Stunning, 384-acre Walupt Lake offers expansive waters
and a small beach, with a beautiful background view of the southern
Goat Rocks Wilderness. Find Walupt
Lake Campground situated on the west end of this crystal clear
lake. A boat ramp at the campground provides access for non-motorized
and small motorboats. So bring a pole and enjoy some quiet fishing.
No boat? Fish from the bank! Or take a hike on the Nannie
Ridge Trail or the Walupt
Lake Trail, both beginning at the campground – a great
way to explore the magnificent beauty of the Goat Rocks Wilderness.

End: The route comes to an end as it rejoins
US 12, about 3 miles west of Packwood and 13.6 miles east of the
beginning of the route in Randle.

All roads in this itinerary are windy and many have steep drop
offs on the either side. Always drive with caution and expect wildlife.
Please check local ranger stations for winter road closures. For
current road conditions, click
here.